Mouse Creek Falls
North Carolina • 45 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
600 ft
About Mouse Creek Falls
Mouse Creek Falls is a picturesque 45-foot waterfall located along Big Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina. The waterfall is surrounded by lush forest and is a popular destination for hikers seeking a serene and scenic experience.
The Setting
Mouse Creek Falls sits at 2,352 feet within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the hills of North Carolina. The falls drop 45 feet.
Height: 45 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Mouse Creek Falls follows the Big Creek Trail, a well-maintained path that runs alongside Big Creek. The trail is relatively wide and features a gradual incline, making it suitable for most hikers. Along the way, visitors will pass Midnight Hole, a popular swimming spot, before reaching the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop 45 feet. Swimming is permitted.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mouse Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, except the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mouse Creek Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Mouse Creek Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with fewer visitors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the creek. Watch for wildlife, including bears, and follow park guidelines for safety. Check weather conditions before hiking, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and slippery.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Pigeon River, 3.6 miles away, not on Mouse Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
133 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
6.89 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PIGEON R BL POWER PLANT NR WATERVILLE, NC (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
133 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
143 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
194 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
194 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
169 cfs
6/10Mon
Barely Flowing
194 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
204 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid March, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cosby hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Mouse Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Mouse Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 67°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 131 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 263 feet of descent through Mouse Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 45 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 2,359 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 310 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,359 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 263 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Mouse Creek Falls is accessed via the Big Creek Trail, which begins at the Big Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is located off Interstate 40, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Big Creek Campground parking area. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,352 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.734264° N, -83.133427° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be cautious near the water as rocks can be slippery.
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With 4.2 miles and 600 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Little Bear Tiny Cabin
The Dapper Duck Log Cabin
Modern Mountain Cabin - Spectacular Views at 3100 ft
The Raven
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK)
1.7 miles away · 12 sites
Overview Big Creek Campground is located in a remote portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry camping in a front country setting. There are flushing toilets and potable water. This is a tent only campground with a short walk from the parking area. The beautiful flowing waters of Big Creek parallel the campground offering the visitor a pleasant soundscape and peaceful beauty. Big Creek is an oasis for hiking, swimming, wildlife, fishing, and relaxation. Recreation Great Smoky M
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cosby, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cosby, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Midnight Hole, Big Creek Campground, and other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors should practice bear safety and store food properly.
Cities near Mouse Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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